Money Moral Dilemma: Should I repay money wrongly paid into my account?

boliston

If you refund it just make sure it goes back to the same sort code and account number it came from - if someone tells you to refund it using different details it could be a scam and you would still owe the money.

happyinflorida

As you will probably need a reference in the future from your ex employer of course you should contact them and ask if they have intentionally paid money into your account.


If they have, you can keep it in the happy knowledge that it's yours.


If they want it back, ask them for the bank account number and sort code they want it sent to and name and address of the bank. Pay it straight away and tell them, ask them to confirm in writing to you that they have received the money back.


This will let them know that you are trustworthy and honest and any future reference should be a good one because of the action you have taken.

bertiewhite

No, there is no legal obligation to pay the money back if it's in your account for less than 21 days. Either pay it into another account or spend it.

gloriouslyhappy

Isn't keeping it the online equivalent of 'theft by finding'? And surely you'd sleep better if you emailed them to ask why they credited your account, could even be an adjustment they owed you from your time there.

unholyangel

gloriouslyhappy wrote: »

Isn't keeping it the online equivalent of 'theft by finding'? And surely you'd sleep better if you emailed them to ask why they credited your account, could even be an adjustment they owed you from your time there.

Its dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit (as mentioned by a previous poster) and is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1968/60/section/24A

24A Dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit.
(1)A person is guilty of an offence if—
(a)a wrongful credit has been made to an account kept by him or in respect of which he has any right or interest;
(b)he knows or believes that the credit is wrongful; and
(c)he dishonestly fails to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to secure that the credit is cancelled.

At least if the MMD'er contacts them and they did actually mean to pay it (perhaps realised they were underpaid, due holiday pay etc) then they can spend it without worrying. If they didn't mean to pay it then at the very least, they can use it an example of their honesty and integrity when applying for other jobs.

andygb

Very simple - tell them and pay it back.

badmemory

Definitely tell them, but be wary of paying it back as they may have already recalled it/well claimed it back actually & you may find it removed twice & you certainly don't want that to happen.


Why do we need MMDs to tell us to be honest, does no-one have a moral compass these days, does no-one know right from wrong anymore? Please don't cite a lack of religious belief these days as I have never believed & have always known right from wrong.

Pollycat

I find it shocking and appalling that someone actually needs advice on this.

Ozzuk

Pollycat wrote: »

I find it shocking and appalling that someone actually needs advice on this.

Indeed, what kind of person would this be a dilemma for?

Next weeks dilemma, I've recently purchased a knife, would it be okay to go around stabbing people or would this seem rude?

Pollycat

Ozzuk wrote: »

Indeed, what kind of person would this be a dilemma for?

Next weeks dilemma, I've recently purchased a knife, would it be okay to go around stabbing people or would this seem rude?

Yes.
Unless the author of the MMD has an issue with the ex-employer like this poster:

Robisere wrote: »

Depends upon your previous working relationship with the employer. I can think of one real swine who made almost 5 years of my life a misery, then refused me Holiday and severance pay. I would certainly have taken his money, but kept it in a small savings account in case he noticed. (He probably would not have noticed the loss - he was as useless a businessman as he was a human being.)

Thief? No, appropriate justice. I really do not care what anyone thinks of that.

My real justice came when I joined a new organisation two streets away from that evil swine, and took dozens of customers with me.

it should be a no-brainer.
People can draw their own conclusions whether the poster above was justified in his actions.